Every U.S. immigration case runs on official forms. Filing the wrong form, an outdated edition or an incomplete one is among the most common reasons USCIS rejects a filing or issues a Request for Evidence. This guide lists the forms our clients ask about most, what each one is for, and where to read more. Forms of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are free to download from uscis.gov/forms; visa applications for a U.S. embassy or consulate are completed online on the Department of State's website.
Visitors in Türkiye: the USCIS website may show an "Access Denied" page when it is opened from some countries, including Türkiye. The block is on the USCIS side, not on your phone or computer. The last section of this guide explains what you can do.
Before You File: Four Rules That Prevent Rejections
- Use the current edition. Each form's page on uscis.gov shows the edition date USCIS accepts. A filing on an outdated edition can be rejected.
- Pay the correct fee. Fees change. Check the fee on the form's USCIS page right before you file; a wrong payment is a common reason for rejection.
- Sign it and answer every question. An unsigned form is rejected. For questions that do not apply to you, follow the form instructions (often "N/A" or "None").
- Check where and how to file. Some forms can be filed online with a USCIS account; others must be mailed to the address listed on the form's page.
Family-Based Immigration Forms
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | A U.S. citizen or green card holder files it to establish the family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate. Citizens can petition for a spouse, children, parents and siblings; green card holders for a spouse and unmarried children. | Marriage green card, parent green card (IR-5), USCIS page |
| I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | A U.S. citizen petitions for a foreign fiancé(e) to come on a K-1 visa and marry within 90 days of arrival. | K-1 fiancé visa, USCIS page |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support | The sponsor shows enough income or assets to support the immigrant. Required in most family-based cases and some employment-based cases. | Public charge rule, USCIS page |
| I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Spouses holding a two-year conditional green card file it in the 90 days before the card expires to receive a ten-year card. | I-751 guide, USCIS page |
| I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition | Within two years of being granted asylum or refugee status, a person can petition for a spouse and unmarried children under 21. | Asylum process, USCIS page |
Green Card and Status Forms Inside the U.S.
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Apply for a green card without leaving the U.S. once you have an approved (or concurrently filed) petition and a visa number is available. | 12 paths to a green card, Visa Bulletin, USCIS page |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Work permit (EAD) for eligible categories, for example applicants with a pending I-485, asylum applicants after the waiting period and certain spouses. | Status, EAD and advance parole, USCIS page |
| I-131 Travel documents | Advance parole to travel while an I-485 is pending, reentry permits for green card holders, and refugee travel documents. | Status, EAD and advance parole, USCIS page |
| I-693 Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record | Completed and sealed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon; generally filed together with the I-485. | USCIS page |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extend a stay or change to another temporary status, for example a visitor extension or dependents such as H-4 and L-2. | Changing and extending status, USCIS page |
| I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Renew a green card that is expiring, or replace one that was lost, stolen or issued with an error. | Correcting documents, USCIS page |
Work Visa and Employment-Based Forms
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | A U.S. employer petitions for a temporary worker, for example H-1B, L-1, O-1 or P. Also used for certain E and TN changes or extensions inside the U.S. | H-1B, L-1, O-1, USCIS page |
| I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers | Employment-based green card petition for EB-1, EB-2 (including the self-petitioned National Interest Waiver) and EB-3. | EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, USCIS page |
| I-526E / I-526 Immigrant investor petitions | EB-5 investors file the I-526E when investing through a regional center and the I-526 for a standalone (direct) investment. | Green card by investment, USCIS page |
| I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service | Pays for a faster decision on eligible filings, for example many I-129 and I-140 cases. | Premium processing, USCIS page |
Asylum and Humanitarian Forms
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal | Generally must be filed within one year of arriving in the U.S., unless an exception applies. | Asylum process, asylum fees, USCIS page |
| I-821 Application for Temporary Protected Status | Initial TPS applications and re-registration for nationals of designated countries. | TPS guide, USCIS page |
| I-821D Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | DACA requests, including renewals. | DACA guide, USCIS page |
| I-912 Request for Fee Waiver | Asks USCIS to waive the fee on certain forms when the applicant qualifies, for example based on income. | USCIS page |
Citizenship Forms
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| N-400 Application for Naturalization | Green card holders apply for U.S. citizenship, generally after five years of permanent residence (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen). | N-400 guide, USCIS page |
| N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship | People who became U.S. citizens through their U.S. citizen parents request proof of citizenship. | USCIS page |
Consular Visa Forms (U.S. Department of State)
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Tourist, student, work and other temporary visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. | DS-160 vs. DS-260, Official form |
| DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application | Immigrant visas (a green card through a consulate), once the approved petition reaches the National Visa Center. | DS-160 vs. DS-260, Official form |
Everyday Forms
| Form | What it is for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| AR-11 Change of address | Most non-citizens must report a new address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. | USCIS page |
| G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative | Filed with your application when an attorney represents you, so USCIS also sends notices to your attorney. | USCIS page |
| G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance | Get an email or text message when USCIS accepts your filing. | USCIS page |
If uscis.gov Does Not Open From Your Country
Visitors in some countries, including Türkiye, may see an "Access Denied" page on uscis.gov. This is a restriction on the USCIS side, not a problem with your phone or computer. You can:
- ask a family member or sponsor in the U.S. to download the current edition for you, or
- contact us: we will send you the current edition of the form you need and confirm it is the right one for your case.
Not Sure Which Form You Need?
The right form depends on your goal and your current status, and many cases need several forms filed together in the right order. Our attorneys can map the forms for your case in a free case evaluation: request a free case evaluation or message us on WhatsApp.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Form editions, fees and filing rules change; always check the form's official page before you file.
